I recently acquired my dream speakers, ATC SCM50. I've spent considerable time listening to these in different settings and I knew these were the right ones for me. When they arrived, I just plugged them into my existing system that I had designed for them, and they sounded, well, great. But not the way I expected. All the qualities were there but the tonal balance wasn't quite right.
I figured tweaking location and toe in, balancing with my sub, and finding the sweet spot would resolve it but after a couple of weeks I just couldn't get it right. I always trust my ears so I started to consider what else to do.
I was using the same Cardas Clear speaker cables that were in place. I thought a change in cables was worth a try but the idea of finding the right ones was daunting. I only had one other pair of cables. Transparent Audio Musicwave Plus, first generation from 25 years ago that I bought on impulse a couple of years ago for $150. I tried them a few years back and didn't like them in that system but I kept them. I also bought two pairs of the same model RCA interconnects in that same purchase that sounded great and have been using them since.
I had to re-terminate the speaker ends since ATC isn't spade friendly. When I switched them out and listened, my jaw dropped. Not only did the tonal balance sound like I expected, but the sound stage became a huge holographic field I couldn't ignore. I don't have to listen for it, it's just there. The only thing that spoils it is opening my eyes and seeing my small room.
It's clearly the best $150 I ever spent. Of course, now I want the next step up in Transparent cables, but for now I'm just thrilled to hear this amazing sound.
